What are the requirements to join Cub Scouts?

Boys must be entering first grade or age 7 to join scouts. They are separated by age, and placed in a den with boys their age -

Tiger Cubs (entering first grade or age 7), Cub Scouts (entering second or third grade, or age 8 or 9), Webelos Scouts (entering fourth or fifth grade, or age 10). There are a few forms to fill out and a uniform to get as well as the handbook for their rank (level). But really, what they need most is the desire to be a scout, the willingness to participate and grow and learn with their den while having fun, and a family member (or two!) who are willing to work with them and with the Pack to make their experience great!

What does Cub Scouting offer my son?

Cub Scouting offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide boys through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, boys also learn honesty, bravery, and respect.

How does participation in Cub Scouting affect participation other activities?

The Cub Scout program is designed to compliment many other extracurricular activities. Typical time commitment is one or two Den meetings and one Pack meeting per month. Boys who participate in organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, etc, or academic-based extracurricular activities like music, art, science etc., can be recognized for these activities by receiving Cub Scout belt loops and pins which are worn on their uniform.

What are the responsibilities of a parent?

• Provide help and support for the den and pack.
• Work with your son on advancement projects and activities.
• Attend pack meetings with your son and present his advancement awards to him at the pack meeting.
• Attend and assist with den outings.
• Attend Cub Scout Family camp-outs with your son.
• And, since Pack 277 is entirely volunteer run, we need parents to volunteer for various Pack events. There is a lot to do, but it's all for the boys and truly a worthwhile experience.
  

Do Cub Scouts go camping?

           Yes, but they ease into it. They must be accompanied by a parent, or even with the entire family. 

How much is it going to cost?

The annual Pack 277 dues are $95 with an additional $12 for Boy's Life Magazine.   Additional costs include uniforms and some activity fees including those for the Day Camp and Resident Camps. Youth members participate in one main fund-raising activity, which helps to cover Den and Pack supplies, equipment, and other activities.   We never want to exclude a Scout based on finances.   If your family needs assistance with Scouting fee's, please speak to a leader.

      

Where can I buy uniforms, pack and den number patches?

The Scout Shop has two locations - Florham Park, NJ & Mountainside, NJ.  More information about the store including hours and directions can be found on their Web site at http://shop.ppbsa.org/locationshours.htm

You can also order online at http://shop.ppbsa.org/scoutshoponline.htm or ScoutStuff.Org

       Efinger's on Union Ave in Bound Brook also carries scouting products.

How often are the meetings?

Cub Scouts usually meet with their dens once or twice each month, and a Pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Beyond that, it depends on the Den and Pack: a Den may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings. Likewise, the Pack may conduct a special event such as a rocket launch, camp-out, or service activity as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly Pack meeting.

How can I learn more?

The best way to learn about what a Cub Scout really does is to talk with a Cub Scout who is engaged in the program. Alternatively, you can learn more about the Cub Scout program by selecting "Contact Our Pack" (above) and asking questions or leaving your phone number to receive a call from one of the Pack Leaders.